This blog functions like an exhaust valve to bring out my cluttered and sometimes confused thoughts. Please give your comments so that we can make this more useful, with wider perspectives. You may find my micro-blogs on Twitter @jay_ambadi.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Constructive Use of Social Media: An Example from Trivandrum Division of Indian Railways

Very often we get to hear, even from
the users of social media that the social media is full of trolling and
negativity. I admit there is an element of negativity and abusiveness prevalent
on social media, perhaps due to the false feeling of anonymity. However, like
any other medium or technology social media is also a double-edged sword. The
outcome of its use depends on how and for what purpose we use it, rather than
on the medium itself.

These
thoughts came to my mind when I noticed an exchange that took place on Twitter.
The incident may seem silly, but knowing how our systems function I cannot but
appreciate an excellent and positive use of Twitter by the people involved. Let
the pictures speak further:

The flex board in Malayalam cautions bike riders to be
careful about the human excreta that may fall on them through the gaps in the
railway over bridge when the trains are passing. I am told the condition was
persisting for quite some time now. As
you can see from the tweet above, Mr. Renjith informed Mr. Sunil Bajpai who is the Division Manager of Indian Railways, Trivandrum Division. Obviously, Renjith was making use of the new initiative by Trivandrum Division, in using a Twitter Hash-tag #tvcdrive for ensuring cleanliness. The Hash-tag is created as a part of Trivandrum Division's Clean Railways initiative for October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanthi day. As you can see from the tweet below, Mr.
Bajpai replied in less than four hours:

As if evident from the picture
above, the problem was solved with a simple solution, no doubt providing much
needed respite to the users of the road. The social consciousness of Mr. Renjith
and the responsiveness and sense of duty of Mr. Bajpai and Mr. Sreekumar are
great examples for all of us social media users to emulate. Let us also help Indian Railways in making their #tvcdrive a grand success on October 2nd.